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Council moves MBOE compensation from assessor budget, orders relocation and clerk custody of recordings
Summary
The council approved a late substitute that increases compensation for the Metro Board of Equalization (MBOE), directs Finance to pay members (removing payments from the assessor's budget), instructs the Metro clerk to hold recordings and asks General Services to find a new MBOE meeting space.
The Metropolitan Council approved a late substitute to a resolution that raises pay for members of the Metro Board of Equalization, removes the assessor’s office as the payor, and directs finding a new secured meeting space separate from the Assessor of Property’s office.
Sponsor Councilmember Benedict said the board hears property‑valuation appeals and meets frequently; raising compensation recognizes the workload. Council debated public perception because the assessor’s office historically has administered payment and physical space for the independent MBOE. Benedict said moving payment and the meeting location reduces the appearance of a conflict.
The substitute does three things: it requests that Metro Finance pay MBOE members (instead of the Assessor of Property), requests that the Metro clerk hold and manage audio and video recordings associated with MBOE proceedings, and asks General Services to locate an independent, secure meeting space suitable for future recording and broadcasting. Assessor Vivian Wilhoit provided a letter read into the record expressing support for moving MBOE operations and compensation out of the Assessor’s office and assigning relocation responsibility to General Services.
Councilmember Toombs reported committee approval; the council suspended rules to consider the late substitute and then adopted the substitute and the resolution. Supporters said the changes will build public trust by separating administrative functions between an independent board and the assessor’s office. The resolution was approved as substituted.
Action: The late substitute resolving MBOE compensation and administrative changes was adopted; Finance directed to pay MBOE members, clerk to hold recordings, and General Services asked to identify a separate meeting space.
Ending: The council said it hopes the changes will improve public confidence in the appeals process and that future ordinance language will codify the administrative changes.
